Incase you missed it, there has been some debate among Christians over the ‘real’ story of Jesus’s birth. For instance, there’s people who don’t think the three (or two or six) wisemen made an appearance until an entire year later and others aren’t fully convinced that Christmas should be celebrated on December 25th for historical accuracy. Bet you didn’t know Christmas was so controversial?
Another part of the nativity that is widely discussed is the innkeeper character. While an innkeeper is never explicitly mentioned in the scripture, popular folklore and tradition tells us that there was no room in the inn for Joseph and Mary, but that the innkeeper did offer up the little room that was available in the stable out back. Sort of like staying in an annexed storage room at a hotel with no vacancy.
In my last nativity-themed blogs, I’ve discussed underrepresented people in the nativity like Joseph and Gabriel, but another I’d like to bring up is, in fact, the infamous innkeeper. Some might disagree, but I don’t know if we would have such a timeless nativity story without the presence of the innkeeper. I doubt Mary and Joseph paid much if anything for staying in the stable, and it would be my guess that opening the animal quarters up to people isn’t something that is normally done, so why did he do it?
Kindness.
Am I saying that the innkeeper was filled with Christmas spirit before “Christmas spirit” could even be a thing? Yes I am. This one, small act helped ensure the safe, comfortable delivery of the Savior. Even with many other, higher-paying customers to serve, he was still able to do what he could to serve others in his time of need. He opened his inn to welcome those who needed it most.
This holiday season, let’s all take a little inspiration from the innkeeper. It can be as literally as actually opening your home up to someone who needs a place to stay or a break from the hustle and bustle of life. It could be offering up your time and lending an ear to a friend who could use someone to talk to. Even serving others in need with your gifts of time, money, and or talent this holiday season. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. But my by making room in your heart and in your inn, you can make the biggest difference to others with the smallest acts.
